657.Resource, Gordon, Maddi's Fridge: Mentor Text(Grades 3-5)

The theme refers to skills that are a prerequisite for developing relationships. The skills include effective communication, sharing, teamwork, empathy, respect, generosity and building relationships.

Maddi’s Fridge demonstrates sharing and empathy in action. When Sofia learns that her friend doesn’t have food, she helps out by bringing food to school. By lunch the food stinks. Her first attempts are humorous failures as she brings fish and then eggs in her backpack. By the third attempt, Sofia has learned what to bring. She knows that isn’t enough so she confides in her mother, breaking her promise to keep Maddi’s secret. Some secrets just have to be shared. The girls are close friends so Sofia is able to mend the hurt she caused.

Heart of Georgia RESA teachers may request a free copy of the book to use with their classes by listening to the short VoiceThread about the book, reading a brief handout that includes the ELA standards and suggested strategies for using the mentor text, and completing a request form.